Northpinellas: Scientology's actions more telling than words http://www.sptimes.com/2005/07/14/Northpinellas/Scientology_s_actions.shtml

Scientology's actions more telling than words

Letters to the Editor
Published July 14, 2005

Re: Scientology grows because it helps people live a better life, letter by Pat Harney, July 10.

Of course the director of public affairs for the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization would say anyone who disagrees with them is wrong and has no knowledge of their organization and its works.

If their organization has helped people live better lives, then why do they always have to defend their actions to others? If my church was constantly being picked apart in the newspaper, I think as a parishioner, I'd begin to wonder if I was in the right church.

I was dismayed to see where Harney stated that they reserve the right to turn away those who disagree or seek to destroy their organization. No one should turn away a disbeliever. Instead, they should just let the disbeliever know that even though he doesn't agree with their way of thinking, they will put him in God's hands by praying for him.

If any religion has real value, it is shown through the love of the members toward their fellow man, whether they are members or just visitors. God's true love is demonstrated by our actions, not just by what we say. Real religion is lived, not disputed.

-- Fran Glaros, Clearwater

Downtown Clearwater traffic nightmare

Re: You can catch green by driving even speed, letter, July 13.

Anyone who thinks you can "catch the green" by driving at an even speed has not driven through downtown Clearwater lately. I have lived in Clearwater for most of my life and it is finally clear that Clearwater officials are trying their best to keep the downtown area solely for Scientologists.

Cleveland Street is now closed at Myrtle Avenue and they are rerouting traffic, but not to Court Street, which will eventually be the direct route through downtown, but across the side streets to Drew Street. And while you are traveling those side streets you still have to stop for lights on Cleveland and wait for up to 3 minutes for the green light.

Why? All I see are Scientology buses lumbering along, but God forbid we should keep them waiting!

Finally, you make it to Drew and you are stopped by traffic lights at Fort Harrison and Osceola Avenue long enough to back traffic up on Drew all the way to Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. The only traffic going north on Osceola is, you guessed it, Scientologists going to and from the training center on the northwest corner of Drew and Osceola, and the light is sensor-controlled to turn green even if only one car is waiting to go north.

No wonder our downtown is such a desolate place. Between the traffic and Scientologists scurrying around, there is no place left for normal residents.

Has anyone been to downtown Dunedin lately? What a delightful place! Wonderful streetscaping, restaurants and shops make it a truly delightful experience.

As much as it pains me to say this (I saw the Exorcist at the downtown Clearwater movie theater and my senior prom was held in the ballroom of the old Fort Harrison Hotel), stay away from downtown Clearwater. Trust me, it isn't worth the hassle!

-- Debbie Hunting, Clearwater

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